Beethoven Rocks!

beethoven_sitting_on_keys_thinking_md_clr.gif


A Sixth Grade Music Lesson Plan

A Beethoven Biography


Analyze learners

Number of students: 22
9 Male 13 Female
Age 11-12

This lesson has been developed for a general music class of average learners. These students are not
in band or chorus; therefore, their music reading skills are low.

The majority of the students are white, middle class Americans who live in a rural area.

There are three students who are served on an IEP

These sixth grade students have received prior instruction and have a working knowledge of:

1. Garage Band
2. Basic Piano Keyboard Skills
3. iMovie

State objectives


By the end of this lesson the students will be able to :

1. Write a complete biography of Ludwig Van Beethoven
2. Develop a three-tiered timeline of important American and World events which occurred during Beethoven's lifetime


National Standards for Music Education

9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

Ohio State Standards for Music Education

Indicator One: Historical, Cultural and Social Contexts
Students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of music styles and cultures and the context of musical expression or events, both past and present. Students identify significant contributions of composers and performers to music heritage. Students analyze the historical, social and political forces that have influenced the function and role of music in the lives of people.

Benchmark C: Describe how events during various historical periods have influenced the development of music.




Select instructional methods, media, and materials

The following materials will be used:
* Macintosh Laptop Computers
  • Printer
  • Paper

Utilize media and materials


Preview the materials: The teacher previews all the Websites before allowing them to be presented before the class.


Prepare the Materials: The teacher prepares student handouts, and rubrics using MSWord software. The teacher makes sure that the necessary equipment is working and accessible for the students to use. The following equipment will be available in the classroom: mac computer laptops, printer, paper.
Prepare the Environment: The classroom will always be set up for individual computer work. . One computer will be assigned to each student for their use.

Prepare the Learners: To prepare the students, the teacher presents the overall plan and objectives for the lesson. Each student receives a handout of the requirements of the projects along with the Final Written Report rubric, and the timeline rubric. The teacher conducts a whole class discussion each one of the evaluations guidelines using the large screen projector with the teacher’s laptop computer.
Provide the learning Experience: During the introductory phase of this unit, the teacher delivers directions via a LCD projector for using using the "bio-cube" and "timeline maker". The large screen is in front of the class.

Require learner participation



Large Group Participation
  • Students will be introduced to the life and music of Ludwig Van Beethoven through a teacher made PowerPoint presentation.


Individual Participation:
* Students will listen to the internet radio show "About Ludwig Van Beethoven" located at the Classics for Kids website located at http://www.classicsforkids.com/shows/showview.asp?ID=20</span>

Evaluate and revise
Did the skills/ concepts get taught? Students will use rubric to evaluate their biocube and timeline.

Did the students meet the set performance objectives? Teacher will use rubric to evaluate the bioube and timeline.

What was their attitude toward the learning environment? Teacher will observe students during the class period to evaluate the attitude of the learning environment.

Did the materials work? Teacher will reflect and determine if the materials were appropriate for the lesson.













||